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He celebrated at the final whistle while lying on his back, having fallen
under a challenge from Dani Alves, but the fireworks had come eight minutes
earlier when Gareth Bale scored a splendid winning goal in the Copa del Rey
final, thereby securing the first significant trophy of his career.

The stage had been set for Real Madrid’s marquee signing of last summer truly
to prove his credentials in Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hamstring injury
meant that Bale was the player with the burden of expectation for a Real
side aiming for the treble. That dream remains a possibility after the

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Bale sent Real's supporters hopes of securing the treble soaring

April 17 2014 Photocall3000

Bale sent Real's supporters hopes of securing the treble soaring

April 17 2014 Photocall3000

He produced the kind of skill for which Real paid £85m to grab the winner

April 17 2014 Albert Gea/Reuters

Bale and his team-mates celebrated winning the Copa del Rey in Valencia

April 17 2014 EPA/JUAN CARLOS CARDENAS

Bale beat off Bartra as he ran from the halfway line to score the decisive goal

April 17 2014 Getty Images/Denis Doyle

It was a cool finish at the end of a run at astonishing speed by Bale

April 17 2014 REUTERS/HEINO KALIS

There were wild celebrations after he found the back of the net

April 17 2014 AP/Alberto Saiz

Bale and his former Tottenham team-mate, Modric, posed with the trophy

April 17 2014 AP/Manu Fernandez

Real Madrid were given a heroes' welcome on their return in the early hours

April 17 2014 REUTERS/JUAN MEDINA

Casillas held up the trophy as Madrid celebrated the team's triumph

April 17 2014 REUTERS/JUAN MEDINA

Crowds gathered around Cibeles Fountain in Madrid to welcome their heroes

April 17 2014 REUTERS/JUAN MEDINA

Bale had been up against another former Premier League star, Mascherano